The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
GOOD SAMARITAN RECOGNIZED
Concord Township teen honored by U.S. Coast Guard for saving youth from drowning last summer
On June 20, 1874, Congress passed the Lifesaving Act to establish medals recognizing significant rescues.
The First Class Medal, now known as the Gold Lifesaving Medal, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, is reserved for rescues of extreme and heroic daring. The Second Class Medal, known as the Silver Lifesaving Medal, is reserved for gallant service. The U.S. decorations can be awarded to military members and civilians alike.
To date, fewer than 1,900 Silver Lifesaving Medals have been awarded.
This week, Shane Morrison became the latest recipient of the medal for action taken last June, when the Concord Township teenager risked his life by diving into Lake Erie to save Donovan Conwell, who had become overwhelmed by the powerful current.
In 2020, 87 lives were lost in the Great Lakes, noted Rear Admiral Michael
Johnston during the Aug. 31 ceremony honoring Shane.
“Make no mistake, the Great Lakes can be extremely dangerous and we’re here to recognize an individual who prevented that number from being one greater,” said Johnston, who assumed duty as the Ninth District commander in May. “This presentation is rare and special. Inside every Coast Guard rescue, there is something that drives an individual to selflessly help those in danger.
“As much as the Coast Guard would like to take credit for creating these men and women, sometimes it’s not just us, these people of inspired character and action. And Shane Morrison has that something special. In that moment, he embodied those two ideals, which, when mastered, can change so many lives for the better.”
Shane told friends that day at Headlands Beach State Park to call the Coast Guard before swimming out to Donovan and afterward, as the Coast Guard crew’s boat pulled into the station, a petty officer asked Shane what the youth’s name was, assuming they knew one another.
Shane said he didn’t know, adding he just saw somebody that needed help.
“That simple statement speaks volumes about how this young man is,” Johnston said. “Swimming 50 yards from the pier in nearly six-foot swells without a floatation device, safety equipment, or explicit training, it’s not something we would ask our own people to do, much less what we would expect from a (then)15-yearold. Those conditions would have been frightening to anyone.
“His act was courageous enough, but what he faced when he reached young Donovan was even more harrowing. Shane instinctively knew what it often takes several weeks of training for our own swimmers to learn.”
U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Bainbridge Township, following Johnston, also recognized Shane, presenting him with the Silver Lifesaving Medal.
“As I was telling Donovan earlier, I come from a long line of sinkers, not swimmers, so it’s always nice to know that you have a guardian angel watching your back, or, in this case, Shane,” Joyce said, describing the teens’ linked story as “uplifting.”
Alluding to the parable of the Good Samaritan, Joyce praised Shane’s efforts in reversing the question of personal concern.
“He didn’t ask, ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ He asked, ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’ Seeing you both here, it’s hard to believe that it’s just over a year ago when this occurred, with both your families bonded over your act of heroism. It is truly beautiful.”
Joyce also expressed gratitude to Shane’s friends and the Coast Guard rescuers who pulled the two boys from the water.
Shaking Joyce’s hand, a modest Shane acknowledged the officials and his family while accepting the medal.
“There are moments that change your life, many of which you have no control over,” he said. “So many people have inspired me, but most importantly my mom, a single mother for almost my entire life. Many times, there are moments, though, like this, moments that are small and can be overlooked.
“That day, Donovan Conwell and his family taught me one moment, one instant, one chance, one hesitation can be the difference between a life fulfilled with memories of a person that means the world to you or an unfulfilled life that had all the potential doing great things and making beautiful memories that slipped away because no one looked twice.”
“Thank you for recognizing me and my friends in such a special way,” Shane added, humbly.
“It really wasn’t necessary but this will be something I will remember forever.”